Holiday Support Update

03/08/2022

PACC has received a further update from Shropshire Council about the recruitment of staff to provide holiday support for children with complex needs.  The update is shared in full below, we will remain in regular contact with Shropshire Council and continue to share information as it is received. If you have any specific questions or concerns about this issue please email PACC at enquiries@paccshropshire.org.uk 

Shropshire Council Update

We know that the reduced capacity, due to staffing,  in the Action For Children holiday club has been disappointing for families. Shropshire Council wants to assure families with children with special educational needs and disabilities that the work to increase casual staff available to deliver the Action for Children summer holiday scheme continues at pace.  Since starting the emergency recruitment campaign over a week ago – 9 staff have come forward and have been fast tracked into jobs, with a greater number continuing through fast track safe recruitment process.    In order to allocate this a proportionality and fairly as possible, Shropshire Council and Action for children are working together to consider levels of need and to prioritise where any increased capacity should be directed.   Families have already been contacted via Action for Children and Shropshire Council and are taking up extra sessions.  We are hopeful that further interest can be translated into extra hours for families over the coming days and weeks.   

 In terms of future planning – the aim is to keep hold of these staff to be able to deliver during the September holidays and to avoid staff shortages that have been experienced to date.